David Laird Holdzkom

David has deeply touched so many of our lives. I cherish memories of him in high school, making thoughtful comments, asking, questioning, probing, and helping us do the same. I believe he helped me grow as a person. His presence at our 50th HS reunion was so special. I had a few moments with him, he said he was not afraid to die but hoped he wouldn't suffer. It was a shock how fast his final path was crossed but I'm grateful for the limits to the suffering this brought. I'm so thankful...

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

I go to God with peace of mind,
All sorrows, sickness left behind.
My work is done;
My rest is won;
Ton dromon teteleka! The course is run.

David, you were ahead of us in so many ways. You lit our path with wisdom and wit in our formative years. Christ's comfort be to all who loved you! His strength and a confident hope be to all whom you touched and taught.

Requiescat in pace.

Robert Lynn...

David was such an important part of the Federal Way High School Class of 1964. Nick and Liz, my deepest condolences for the loss of your precious father. He was such a smart, thoughtful, and kind person. Am so sorry for his passing, we will all miss such a gentleman. What an honor to have him emcee our 50th Class Reunion on September 20th. Rest in Peace David.

In September David took some of his precious time and traveled to our 50th high school class reunion. He gave a heartwarming, moving, and informative speech that moved me to tears. I was honored to have spent time with him. He will be missed by many but his legacy in education will remain with all of those lives his inspired through his work. My deepest sympathy to his family for your loss.

I feel honored to have known such a fine person and was pleased to get a chance to see him again after 50 years at our HS reunion.

David's passing is way too soon. We renewed our friendship a few months ago, and I still have questions. David actually asked me questions-- about me-- and he listened to my answers-- Rare male quality. We shared a depth of thought that I will surely missed. Everything said in these pages is very very true and supports the impact he had on many lives. I will miss him. Nick, thank you for our conversation. You are much like your dad. Blessings to you and Liz. Lynn Pokela, Camano Island,Wa.

David and I traveled in a different crowd back in the 60's, but I always had great respect for him. I think we were in the 11th grade when out of the clear blue sky, he told me that I should polish my life and join the debate team. I laughed at the suggestion, but he smiled saying, " there is more to life than running fast around a track." We never became close friends back in High School, but I never forgot that conversation and the consideration he expressed that day. I came across a...

Last month I saw David for the first time in 50 years on September 20th at our class of 1964 Federal Way High School reunion in Washington State. Back then we all knew him as a gentle, intelligent, cultured leader who was wise beyond his years. Last month I could see that those traits had only deepened and matured, yet he retained the youthful spirit and inquiring mind that we knew five decades before. We all have benefited from knowing or working with David throughout his life. For those...

David was kind ,wonderful intellect, smart, never put anybody down no matter what their lot in life. He was also one of our hero's that served our served country in Vietnam.